New Maps Reveal Global Fishing's 'Vast Scope Of Exploitation Of The Ocean'

Researchers have used radio transmissions to track the movement of fishing vessels and create stunning maps of fishing activity. The maps show that fishing covers most of the globe's oceans.

by Dan CharlesFeb 22, 20181 minute

A global map showing where all fishing vessels were active during 2016. Dark circles show the vessels avoiding exclusive economic zones around islands, where they aren't allowed.Source: Global Fishing Watch

The fishing industry has long been hard to monitor. Its global footprint is difficult even to visualize. Much fishing takes place unobserved, far from land, and once the boats